Editor’s note: This originally appeared on Analyse Asia, a weekly podcast hosted by Bernard Leong, dedicated to dissecting the pulse of business, technology, and media in Asia. The podcast features guests from Asia’s vibrant tech community.

James Riney from 500 Startups, Japan joined us in a conversation to discuss the evolution of Japan startup ecosystem. We discussed where the 500 Startups Japan fund is now, some interesting tidbits on what is happening with the ecosystem there, and his perspectives on payment startups versus banks & whether ICOs will displace venture capitalists.

500 Startups Japan has now a team and closed a recent round from your LPs. Can you give an update who’s on your team and who are the LPs that funded the Japan fund? (for example, Japan Government Fund) [3:15]

What are the interesting investments you have made with 500 Startups? [3:34]